TENNIS: YOUNGSTERS in Nantwich are making a real racquet about their favourite sport.

The world-famous tournament at Wimbledon later this month will give the sport in England its annual boost, but things are always in full swing at Nantwich Tennis Club (NTC).

From modest beginnings, LTA-licensed coach Nicola Herbert has worked tirelessly for more than three years to build up interest in the game among youngsters.

Now more than 350 regularly enjoy coaching and tournaments at the club, off Middlewich Road.

From beginners to rising stars, everyone from age four and upwards can get involved. Nicola agrees things are going well.

She said: 'There were just a handful of juniors at the club initially.

'But junior development at the club has just grown and grown. The programme is aimed at encouraging children to try the sport. Mini-tennis is available for four- to 10-year-olds, and real tennis is played by the 11- to 16-year-olds.

'We want to provide opportunities for children in South Cheshire to play tennis. The programme has been so successful that the number of children attending courses has now risen in excess of 350. This is an excellent statistic.

'The club has earned itself mini-tennis accredited status and, more importantly, is recognised as one of 15 key clubs in Cheshire which provide progressive junior development. We have an all-year-round programme and you do not need to be a club member to take part.'

In addition to the daily activities, a variety of junior tennis courses and camps take place at the club during school holidays. A network of clubs in the area arrange tournaments for players who wish to pit their wits against other youngsters of their own age.

Recent performances demonstrate that Nantwich has no shortage of budding Tim Henmans and Maria Sharapovas. At the Swizzels Matlow Tournament at Congleton, eight NTC juniors represented the club.